Chokri Belaid was shot dead outside his home Wednesday, sending angry protesters to the streets of the capital all week.

Belaid was an outspoken critic of the moderate Islamist-led government, which he accused of not doing enough to take on hardline Salafists.

Tensions have simmered between Islamists and their secular opponents in the nation. In addition, analysts say, citizens are frustrated with the slow social progress since dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was overthrown two years ago.

"As the fruits of the Spring have been soured by ugly, often violent political conflict, Egypt has monopolized the world's attention," wrote Bobby Ghosh, deputy international editor for TIME magazine. "Tunisia's own postrevolutionary complications have gotten little notice."

Fire guts coreof Burundi's economy

Burundi took a major economic hit recently when a central market in the capital burned to the ground.

The devastating blaze was a major setback for the tiny African nation's fledgling economy.

The French-led offensive to flush out rebels has killed "hundreds" of militants, France said this week. It did not specify the exact number, but said the troops are still experiencing sporadic resistance in the north.

At Mali's request, France launched the offensive against militants in its former colony a month ago. The ground attacks and airstrikes in the north have sent Islamist fighters fleeing.

This week, France asked the United Nations Security Council to approve a peacekeeping force for Mali.